Confidence going from Stumpy to Enduro

Will switching from a Stumpy to Specialized Enduro significantly increase my confidence such that I may be willing or daring descend more technical and steeper terrain than I would normally feel comfortable doing on a stumpy? Would I loose more in climbing efficiency than what I would gain in downhill confidence?

I am a 42 year old that can descend technical and steep terrain as long as it is not crazy difficult. Sometimes I have to slow down but rarely do I need to get off the bike. I am working on building confidence and would consider switching to an Enduro if it helps me in being a little more daring on the downhill. I am in very good physical condition, so my stronger side is certainly climbing. I don't think I'd be willing to make the suggested change if I am giving up too much in climbing with respect to any additional confidence that the bike might offer.

I currently own a 2013 S-Works StumpJumper FSR 29. I am considering changing to an S-Works Enduro 26 or S-Works Enduro 29 which will be available in the 2014 models.

Will switching provide what I am looking for? If so, should I go with Enduro 26 or Enduro 29?

If confidence is your problem a bigger bike won't solve anything, you'll ride the same, just with 20mm more travel and a slacker bike.

You're already riding almost a $10k bike, rather than spending several thousand more on another bike, why not spend a fraction of that on some skills training? Practice and someone helping you get the technique right will build your confidence way better than new stuff.

I think you should be able to ride any terrain with just about any bike, if the skills are there. More or less bikes like the Stumpy can handle pretty much anything you can throw at it. At least the 26" version I don't like jumps, drops with bigger wheels. Personal preference there, I think spade is on the money.

As usual, it is the rider more than it is the bike. That said, I can also tell you that I went from a bike with XC'ish geometry to my Enduro a while back. On my 4th ride on my Enduro, my brother happened to be visiting and came along. He said I was quite a bit faster on the Enduro -- usually, he is right on my tail, and he was falling back a bit on this ride. I also hit much larger drops and obstacles last summer on my Enduro than I have ever done, or thought I'd do -- the Enduro feels a lot more stable in the air, and makes me feel like I can go bigger and bigger. So having geometry that is better suited to going down hill fast and jumping off things does help one's confidence. I'd say that I'm not now able to ride terrain I was unable to ride before, but I can now ride it faster and with more confidence.

I don't know about climbing, though -- I was slow on my old bike, and I'm slow on this bike. I climb to get to the downhills, and don't really care how long it takes to get to the top, as long as I eventually get there.

I think you should be able to ride any terrain with just about any bike, if the skills are there. More or less bikes like the Stumpy can handle pretty much anything you can throw at it. At least the 26" version I don't like jumps, drops with bigger wheels. Personal preference there, I think spade is on the money.

Good point, I know some guys with $50 bikes that ride more and better than some $2000 bikes owners...

My buddy weighs well over 200 pounds, and he feels much more confident on his new Enduro than he did on his Stumpy. Both carbon models. I can tell, because he's much faster on the downhills. He said the Stumpy just felt like it was going to explode on him. I believe much of the feeling was due to a standard quick release front axle, lighter and flexier frame, and a Fox Float that didn't have a compression adjustment, which resulted in a lot of brake dive. Confidence can go a long way.

If you're feeling a lack of confidence in your ability, then buying a more capable bike is a waste. If you're lacking confidence in your bike, then buying a more capable bike is a wise investment.

Confidence going from Stumpy to Enduro

Originally Posted by Fix the Spade

If confidence is your problem a bigger bike won't solve anything, you'll ride the same, just with 20mm more travel and a slacker bike.

You're already riding almost a $10k bike, rather than spending several thousand more on another bike, why not spend a fraction of that on some skills training? Practice and someone helping you get the technique right will build your confidence way better than new stuff.

Thanks for the Replies so far. Sounds like it won't give me the skills to tackle riskier terrain but it will help me go faster on what I can already ride?

Not quite. I would think of the Enduro as a tool which is better suited to aggressive terrain. Your skills don't change (though they likely will improve with saddle time even if you don't switch bikes) but the bike is more suitable for technical terrain. Slack head angle and more travel are more forgiving when the trail gets rough or steep.

In a pinch, you could use a set of pliers to turn a hex head bolt but it's not the best choice. Similarly, you could ride a rigid bike anywhere you want to go but that doesn't mean it's your best choice. Compared to the Stumpjumper, the Enduro is better suited to rough and steep technical terrain. If your goal is confidence in those situations, the Enduro will likely deliver. The best way to know is to test ride one on your trail of choice. Does your shop have demo bikes?

Don't you hate it when a sentence doesn't end the way you think it octopus?

Yes, my goal is to increase confidence in terrain that I am not so confident. Saddle time is the main thing but if the Enduro speeds the process then why not.

Yes, I am arranging for an Enduro 26 demo with my LBS. The problem is that one demo ride is often not enough, even if it is in proper terrain. For example, I did a 12 mile demo on a good technical single track to determine if I should go with a large or small stumpy. I switched a few times between the sizes and by the end of the demo I was still not sure. It took some time to realize that my size was medium.

Why go all-in on the S-Works Enduro? If you like the Stumpy for some of your riding, why not keep it and get a lower spec Enduro for the rougher stuff? Or something even a bit more burly?

The way I looked at it when I bought my Enduro, I had about $3500 to spend, and I like to ride a wide variety of terrain -- from longer XC'ish loops to bike parks and lifts and everything in between. I figured I'd rather have a nice bike that I could ride everywhere than two $1500-2000 bikes. But I would rather have 2 $3000-4000 bikes (keeping in the Spesh lineup, say, a Stumpy 29er and a Demo or an Enduro Evo) than one "do it all" bike for $6-8k. Don't get me wrong -- I love my Enduro, and it does as well in all circumstances as I could expect any one bike to do -- but next time I'm bike shopping (and hopefully my budget will be double my budget last time around), I won't likely be getting another Enduro.

Re: Confidence going from Stumpy to Enduro

I have done this switch. The answer is yes for going down.
I went from a stumpy evo to to an enduro. I am way better at speed with enduro, though I feel the longer stiffer fork plays a big part. I also feel the bike climbs better.

I've had five stump fsr bikes and two enduros over the past 10 years. I would say that the enduro is way more bike than the stump. I've ridden both a lot in races and bike parks, jumps and crazy rocky terrain. Along with the enduro came wider, tougher tires and the stiffer chassis and slacker angles REALLY made a difference in my riding.

I spent all last year at bike parks riding the enduro off of stuff that would curl your hair. I was doing 10 foot drops, 20 foot gaps, wall rides, step ups, step downs... The stump is a GREAT bike but the enduro really is a different beast.

People who tell you 'it's not the bike, it's the rider', don't have enough bikes. Get an enduro and buy a lift ticket for a few weekends. You'll learn SO MUCH your brain will hurt. At 42, it's time. I'm 38...

I don't want to twist any panties here, but PLEASE check out the Intense Tracer 275 bike. It's pretty close to enduro geo but with the bigger wheels, it's makes the bike that much better. 275 feels like 26 most of the time but it spins up to a higher speed when going down hill and holds lines better in the rough. Maxxis has their 275 big-boy tires available now.

I don't want to twist any panties here, but PLEASE check out the Intense Tracer 275 bike. It's pretty close to enduro geo but with the bigger wheels, it's makes the bike that much better. 275 feels like 26 most of the time but it spins up to a higher speed when going down hill and holds lines better in the rough. Maxxis has their 275 big-boy tires available now.

mk

I suppose if money isn't an option this sounds like a good idea.. on the other hand, seeing as 26 wheeled bikes are obsolete, I bet you could pick up a used enduro for a pretty discounted price, I mean really, who in their right mind would ride a 26 wheeled bike?

Last edited by billybobzia; 04-24-2013 at 07:26 AM.

BBZ

Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy - Benjamin Franklin

Well I guess the direction this is all going that 26" tires are no longer a valid wheel size and you should buy a down hill bike! ha It is interesting all the different angles you get. I like a bigger bike myself but I learned on smaller bikes and the fact that I can do it on a smaller bike has helped my skills. I was riding a good size drop not long ago, some dude hit it with his XC bike which goes to show the point that many here are saying, the rider skill is vital. I think the main reason to purchase a bigger bike is because you feel the bike can't handle what you are throwing at it or it is holding you back. Please post pictures of your bike either way. haha

In all honesty, riding DH (lifts and shuttles) has helped my skills tremendously. Think about it logically, how do you get better at anything? Simply by practicing more right? If, on a typical ride, you get to descend for only a small fraction of the ride, it takes quite some time to get enough practice to improve. If you spend a day at a resort riding downhill, even on your XC bike you can obviously get tons more downhill practice. I would say that depending on the mountain, you might even get as much downhill on one run as your would on a typical day of riding. So, if you make 10 laps, thats like 10 days of riding and if you are like me and have a job and kids and stuff, I get in 2-3 days per week in the summer, well, thats like a months worth of DH all in one day.

I am 44, started DH when I was 38 and the progression has been amazing, and I don't feel like I was bad before, I have been riding mtn bikes since 20.

BBZ

Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy - Benjamin Franklin

In all honesty, riding DH (lifts and shuttles) has helped my skills tremendously.

This is true -- it is about reps and building confidence, and at a resort you get plenty of opportunities to do both. And I would add that all resorts I've ever been to have plenty of less extreme options that any decent rider will be able to ride and have fun on - the runs aren't all steep rock gardens with big mandatory airs. Plenty of easier runs to hone your skills, and after a day, you'll be riding through and over stuff that had you balking the first couple runs. The few "XC riders" I've convinced to come with me up to the resorts have all had a great time.

I am definitely going to hit the lifts then based on what everyone is saying. A few people have brought up the topic of big wheels. I've been hearing amazing things about the enduro 29 and how they didn't sacrifice virtually anything compared to the 26. The chainstay is just 10mm longer and is in fact shorter than many 26 bikes. Sea Otter DH course was won this year on an Enduro 29. Has anyone had a chance to ride both Enduro 26 and Enduro 29?

I am definitely going to hit the lifts then based on what everyone is saying. A few people have brought up the topic of big wheels. I've been hearing amazing things about the enduro 29 and how they didn't sacrifice virtually anything compared to the 26. The chainstay is just 10mm longer and is in fact shorter than many 26 bikes. Sea Otter DH course was won this year on an Enduro 29. Has anyone had a chance to ride both Enduro 26 and Enduro 29?

29 inch wheels are not ideal for cornering, cornering to me is one of the best and most enjoyable skills and sensations you can have while riding on a two wheel toy. I do think it makes sense for long distance pedal rides and for the average to below average rider it helps with speed and obstacles but those riders often don't really have cornering skills.

29 inch wheels are not ideal for cornering, cornering to me is one of the best and most enjoyable skills and sensations you can have while riding on a two wheel toy. I do think it makes sense for long distance pedal rides and for the average to below average rider it helps with speed and obstacles but those riders often don't really have cornering skills.

I don't know what your previous mtbing experience is jarango but here is my observation. Guys that don't have a lot of mountain biking experience and jump on a full suspension bike as their first bike are doing themselves a disservice. You see you never really build the skills and feel/feedback from the bike as the full sus is robbing you of the trail feedback. I've seen MANY first time mountain bikers get a full suspension mountain and progress to a point and pretty much level off. The one's that I've been able to convince to spend some time on a hardtail then come back to full suspension have progressed SUBSTANTIALLY. My advice spend some time on a hardtail building some skills.

I don't know what your previous mtbing experience is jarango but here is my observation. Guys that don't have a lot of mountain biking experience and jump on a full suspension bike as their first bike are doing themselves a disservice. You see you never really build the skills and feel/feedback from the bike as the full sus is robbing you of the trail feedback. I've seen MANY first time mountain bikers get a full suspension mountain and progress to a point and pretty much level off. The one's that I've been able to convince to spend some time on a hardtail then come back to full suspension have progressed SUBSTANTIALLY. My advice spend some time on a hardtail building some skills.

This is good advice and is certainly true. However there is no way of knowing the OP's skill level. He may have already learned most of the things he can learn from a hardtail. On the other hand it could be what he needs. The only way you can know for sure by seeing him ride and looking at he setup of his bike.

I don't know what your previous mtbing experience is jarango but here is my observation. Guys that don't have a lot of mountain biking experience and jump on a full suspension bike as their first bike are doing themselves a disservice. You see you never really build the skills and feel/feedback from the bike as the full sus is robbing you of the trail feedback. I've seen MANY first time mountain bikers get a full suspension mountain and progress to a point and pretty much level off. The one's that I've been able to convince to spend some time on a hardtail then come back to full suspension have progressed SUBSTANTIALLY. My advice spend some time on a hardtail building some skills.

I actually don't agree with this anymore. I used to, but now I have seen so many people that have never ridden a hardtail and they learn just fine and in fact learn at a quicker pace most of the time.

I see your point and in the early days when FS bikes sucked, it made sense, now it just doesn't in my opinion (and I learned on bikes that were fully rigid because that was the only option).

BBZ

Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy - Benjamin Franklin

I actually don't agree with this anymore. I used to, but now I have seen so many people that have never ridden a hardtail and they learn just fine and in fact learn at a quicker pace most of the time.

I see your point and in the early days when FS bikes sucked, it made sense, now it just doesn't in my opinion (and I learned on bikes that were fully rigid because that was the only option).

I think it depends on the person really. Some people are just natural intuitive athletes and most things come easy to them, others not so much. I disagree it has anything to do with the progression on mtb technology though. I have several "friends", and observe others that I ride with occasionally that have super nice bikes and they're total hacks. They have next to no technique yet can still manage to ride most trail obstacles even in the bike park. I have zero doubt they would benefit from spending time on a hardtale. Learning how to manipulate your body relative to the trail features is a MUST on a hardtale. There's now way around it.

If you sold the stumpy you would lose about half of what you paid. Why not just get a cheaper level of the Enduro and have the two bikes. Better yet, get a nice used "big bike" and I you like the change enough, sell it and get whatever you want down the road.

As for busing skills and growing balls, numerous options have already been mentioned.

If you sold the stumpy you would lose about half of what you paid. Why not just get a cheaper level of the Enduro and have the two bikes. Better yet, get a nice used "big bike" and I you like the change enough, sell it and get whatever you want down the road.

As for busing skills and growing balls, numerous options have already been mentioned.

I don't think I would loose half. I got a good discount, so I payed 9200 Including tax. I can put it on the market for 8000 and it would certainly sell for at least 7000. It is in pristine condition. I can also get a good discount on the Enduro, 8500 to 8700 including tax. So I would probably need about $1700.

I just demoed an Enduro Comp. I felt more confident on the steep single track. The small jumps seemed to be much easier, perhaps due to the smaller wheel. Most of the climbing was the same as the stumpy. If the climbing was steep, smmoth and loose the stumpy was better. If the climbing was technical the enduro was better because I could beat technical sections with mere acceleration.

One disadvantage of the enduro 26 is that it is harder to maintain a chose line/path if the section is technical. The 29 wheels on the stumpy are not through of course that easily. This however has an upside. I noticed that if I made a steering mistake with the stumpy it was harder to correct. The smaller wheel of the 26 could be more easily placed back on the correct course.

I don't think I would loose half. I got a good discount, so I payed 9200 Including tax. I can put it on the market for 8000 and it would certainly sell for at least 7000. It is in pristine condition. I can also get a good discount on the Enduro, 8500 to 8700 including tax. So I would probably need about $1700.

If you can recover that much cost, you're the man. But, realize that you'll have to convince someone to drop $7000 on a bike with NO frame warranty.

I don't think I would loose half. I got a good discount, so I payed 9200 Including tax. I can put it on the market for 8000 and it would certainly sell for at least 7000. It is in pristine condition. I can also get a good discount on the Enduro, 8500 to 8700 including tax. So I would probably need about $1700.

If pristine means you just rolled it out the bike shop, maybe. If you have several hundred miles or more on it, you are probably looking more in the 5-6k range. If you can get much more, you are pretty lucky or a good salesman.

I just demoed an Enduro Comp. I felt more confident on the steep single track. The small jumps seemed to be much easier, perhaps due to the smaller wheel. Most of the climbing was the same as the stumpy. If the climbing was steep, smmoth and loose the stumpy was better. If the climbing was technical the enduro was better because I could beat technical sections with mere acceleration.

One disadvantage of the enduro 26 is that it is harder to maintain a chose line/path if the section is technical. The 29 wheels on the stumpy are not through of course that easily. This however has an upside. I noticed that if I made a steering mistake with the stumpy it was harder to correct. The smaller wheel of the 26 could be more easily placed back on the correct course.

Most of what you are mentioning here has more to do with wheel size than bike choice. Simply not being used to a 26er is the main issue. Your riding will adjust quickly to mitigate many of cons you mentioned. And there is always the option of an Enduro 29. For really technical ups and downs I prefer 26. For long ups or really loose trails in general, 29 will be better.

Skills clinics are a better investment than a new bike, tbh. Or just saddle time in a group of people. Why not stick with the bike you have (which is seriously one of the best trail bikes in the world) and learn its limits? You can't really expect to switch bikes and suddenly expect to own every downhill section, but you can spend money on learning something new!

Do you ride trails that require that bike? I won't ride a Stumpjumper on the trails at Fromme... although some do. I won't ride an Enduro around Lost Lake either. I would think a Stumpy EVO would be a better choice if you're riding XC or All mtn trails. The Enduro would be a good choice for Shore style trails.

+1 for skills training. I've done privates at Whistler Bike Park and Endless Biking. Those days made me a better rider way more than any bike did.

I'm going to rob banks til I retire or get caught. Either way I'm set for life

I own 2010 Enduro 26 - it is serious fun machine. It morphs into true downhill bike when seatpost is slammed and elbows are pointed outward . It's passable when climbing - with usual limitations of slack and long fork and low bottom bracket. I demoed Stumpjumper FSR 29er in both park and trail settings but was not impressed much. Bigger wheels have very obvious rolling advantage, but long rear end very noticeably "drags" in descends and when climbing bigger steps. Jumping was actually OK. In my opinion current longer travel Specialized 29ers are stopgap models before they finally got serious with Enduro 29 and returned to nice short Spesh-style chainstays.
Don't get me wrong - S-Works Stumpy 29er is a dream bike and I am pretty sure that what I see as shortcomings would be turned into advantages by better or just different style rider. Knowing how to ride bike trumps any equipment differences any day. And yes, riding parks and taking lessons helps dramatically.

I expect E29 to be pumpable and quite playful. I think it will require more pronounced technique (leaning in turns, staying balanced) than E26 to ride to it's potential. I would probably have to buy it without proper demoing - I an 6'5'' tall and don't expect to find XL demo. My gut feeling is that for people who need XL size E29 is better (they don't even make E26 in XL any more). For those riding medium size it's not obvious which wheel is better - and for small frame size it's easy choice - no E29er offered... This reasoning is for gravity riding when geometry consideration and throwing bike around are very important...

If a paid $9000+ for a bike I'd be scared to push my limits as well, for fear I'd wreck it as much as myself. Your current bike is a 2013, so you've had it for about a year? And it's in pristine condition? Armchair sports psychologist says your time and money is better spent on the skills/mental aspects of riding. There's tons of info on riding technique on the interwebs for free-seek it out and consciously practice the techniques when you ride. A lot of people, myself included, just go ride w/o any thought to what they're doing and wonder why their skills plateau... If your serious about progressing your riding you're gonna find your limit sooner or later-no year old bike should be pristine IMO.

Case from personal experience: was shopping for a new bike, mainly looking at ones in the 140mm travel range; but oh, so tempted to step it up. Bigger is better right? Just didn't make sense in the end. Came to the conclusion that the modern 'trail' bike is plenty o' bike for what I am mentally willing to do and doesn't sacrifice much when climbing. 20, 40mm more travel isn't going to help with the mental block I have hitting gap jumps. Regularly focusing on/practicing a particular skill while riding, and riding with people with more skill, has done more for my confidence than more travel would've. Have had my bike for a couple of years now and there's been maybe a handful of times I wished I had a bigger bike (i.e. shuttle runs with little pedaling/climbing).

So I've been Demoing the Enduro fo 3 days and I can say for certain that it does boost my confidence, despite having smaller wheels than my stumpy. The Suspension is just so much more squishy and fun that it makes the stumpy feel like a hardtail. The bike is certainly more fun to ride. I definitely want to switch to a Enduro. The only question now is would the 29 be as nice or nicer? Is it worth the wait?

So I've been Demoing the Enduro fo 3 days and I can say for certain that it does boost my confidence, despite having smaller wheels than my stumpy. The Suspension is just so much more squishy and fun that it makes the stumpy feel like a hardtail. The bike is certainly more fun to ride. I definitely want to switch to a Enduro. The only question now is would the 29 be as nice or nicer? Is it worth the wait?

I've always avoided specialized bikes...but that new enduro 29er looks awesome. Nothing else like it. Not sure if missed the part about what size frame your currently on...but if your riding a small or medium, 26 is probably the best choice. If your on a large or xl then the 29er seems like the way to go.

In reality, It all depends on how you ride. If you like to toss your bike around then 26er might be the best. If you plow through rock gardens and do a decent amount of climbing then 29er would be my choice. I'm 6'1 190-200lbs and not biased towards a particular wheel size. I go with what feel best for the terrain. I avoided 29ers for a while but once I gave it a try, I was hooked. They fit my riding style perfectly.

Obviously your a 29er fan already, right? I say wait for the enduro 29er! From what I've heard, it's gonna be a high demand bike. If for some reason you don't like it...you could probably get back most of your money or swap frame/forks with someone looking to try it. If your waiting on an sworks..it might be a while. My dealer told me that they are only doing the comp for right now, and other models will follow next year. If you get your hands on an enduro 29er make sure you report back with the results. I'm almost certain that will be my next purchase...but will probably have to start selling off all my toys to get it. Cheers!

I've been demoing an Enduro 26 for the last 3 days and it gave me much more confidence than my stumpy 29. It is way more fun to ride and and extremy plush. Makes my stumpy feel like a hardtail in comparison.

I'm ready to buy one. The only thing keeping me from doing that is the thought of should I wait until the 29s come out to demo one.

With the amount of money you are looking to spend, its probably worth making sure you have exactly what you want. It will frustrate you if you have that "what if" in the back of your mind.

I would recommend demoing some other bikes besides the Enduro too. Even if you are dead set on getting a Spesh Enduro it couldnt hurt to confirm that by demoing the competitors bikes. You could even prefer a Nomadc, LTc, Mojo HD, etc.

Jarango. It is only 30 percent or so bike. Bottom line you need to have the skills to ride and be a strong rider. Bottom line there is a video in the specialized area called 2014 enduro I think. A guy just bought a 29 enduro and thought he would be first up the hill and he says I was STILL last. Yea a bike helps but you need to be a good confident rider. I agree with the guy above. Considering the way you were with me and my 2013 enduro (wanting to by it and then not knowing if u want to buy it). I don't think you know what you want or know enough about bikes. ( I am just being honest here, if it hurts your feelings I am sorry). Step back think about what it is you want and need. Then once you know (because it doesn't seem like you do from reading this post and others you started) test ride many bikes for a bike that is up your alley. Ten you can make an educated and physical purchase.

9200 for a stumpy is insane. sounds like youre putting all your money into the bike thinking you can buy bike skills....not to sound mean. I ride a 2013 stumpy evo comp and besides minor things like brakes i don't know why anyone would spend any more....if youre 3x as fast as me maybe i'll get it, but based on your posts i doubt it.

I'd keep the stumpy and stop spending so much on bikes lol. Try to get better, as people have mentioned its more rider than bike....and if at 9200 you don't feel you have enough bike its definitely you. take a skills course, dh, whatever, but owning a stumpy myself i wouldn't want any more bike. personally i bought into the "1 bike" thing and had a trek scratch....it went up like crap and down was good until you got onto a real DH track (keystone)...then the geo was noticeable...basically what i'm saying is that it went up ok, down ok, but excelled at nothing. now i have 3 bikes and they all have their place....1 bike is bs.

i do DH and have a season pass....do that for a season and you will be night and day.

9200 for a stumpy is insane. sounds like youre putting all your money into the bike thinking you can buy bike skills

You are dead wrong to think I am trying to buy skills with a expensive bike. For me an expensive bike is all about the riding experience: The smooth shifting ; the perfect braking ; the stiffness, subtleness, and aesthetics of carbon frame ; The feeling or riding a very nice bike, etc. I owned a 2012 Stumpy Comp and the difference in ride quality is very significant. You don't need to be a Pro to enjoy a quality of a expensive bike. On the Enduro, the difference between S-Works and Comp is about 5 pounds. That is no insignificant weight difference.

In this thread the issue was the feeling of confidence and performance between Enduro and Stumpy and between wheel sizes of these two bikes. When I opened the thread I had not ridden an Enduro. Now I have and for three consecutive days. I now have the experience to say that the Enduro does certainly boost the confidence. It also way more lively, perhaps due to the 26 wheels. Not all is positive though. I took a 40 second hit on a 630ft/1.3 mile climb even though I pushed harder with the Enduro than what I did with the Stumpy. Not that it matters much on such a short climb but it does tell me that on a very long climb the penalty I pay will be noticible. Bad for Strava :-)

I don't have money for two top-of-the-line bikes. So I would have to choose between having two Comps or one S-Works. This is a personal choice depending on whether you flavor flexibility of ride quality.

When I went to a slacker bike with a burly wheelset and tires the first thing I noticed was my position and the FEEL of the cockpit going down steeper and gnarlier descents- you feel like you have more bike in front of you rather then the OTB feeling you get on a smaller trail bike. That said, as long as you employ the principle that the bike would do it if you pushed it down the hill on it's own and all you need to do is have the conifdence and skill to just let it roll and control your front end. Remember, no brakes! Let it roll!

The new enduro is supposed to be an amazing bike - in both 26 and 29 variants. However, have u considered a 27.5? I just got the new Santa Cruz Bronson, and I'm loving it compared to my nomad c. I suggest you try a couple other brands other than specialized to see if there is a solution out there that works.

All that said, there is a reason guys run 150 or 160 for true am or enduro riding... As u have experienced with the demo enduro, It just provides more confidence for decending. U will lose little on the ups, but if you're not racing up, then maybe it's worth a try.